Skin stimulating and cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A skin stimulating and cleaning device which has a housing with a cover adapted to be opened to expose for removal a manuallymanipulatable handle or hand piece connected to a vacuum pump in the housing. A flexible tube extends between the hand piece and the pump so that a vacuum can be communicated to the skin of the user, for example the face, for cleaning as well as for stimulation of the blood flow into the area of the skin.

United States Patent 1191 Welch Oct. 9, 1973 SKIN STIMULATING AND CLEANING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Medal-d W. Welch, 1111 Sheridan Rd., Winnetka, 11!. 60093 [22] Filed: Jan. 21, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 108,422

[52] 11.8. C1. 128/40, 128/297 [51] Int. Cl A6lh 1/00 1.5. .1 .li liiflmxllfili 9 2911. 229 ..Z 8Q7 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,184,156 5/1965 Welch et al 128/38 X 3,291,120 12/1966 Karakashian 128/38 UX 2,088,870 8/1937 Reid 128/297 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 699,699 12/1930 France 128/38 Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Attorney-Parker, Carter & Markey [5 7] ABSTRACT A skin stimulating and cleaning device which has a housing with a cover adapted to be opened to expose for removal 3. manually-manipulatable handle or hand piece connected to a vacuum pump in the housing. A flexible tube extends between the hand piece and the pump so that a vacuum can be communicated to the skin of the user, for example the face, for cleaning as well as for stimulation of the blood flow into the area of the skin.

4 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures 1 SKIN STIMULATING AND CLEANINGDEVICE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is concerned with a skin stimulating and cleaning device, preferably for home use and primarily intended for girls and women although it is not restricted thereto.

A primary object of the invention is a skin stimulating and cleaning device which is much easier to handle and more effective than prior devices.

Another object is a device'of the above type which has all of the heavy operating parts in abase or case unit which is adapted to stay on a counter or table while a lightweight handle or hand piece, connected thereto by a flexible tube, is the only part required to be manipulated.

Another object is an improved handle or hand piece for use with or in a skin stimulating and cleaning device which will not become clogged.

Another object is a skin stimulating and cleaning device which can be accurately and easily adjusted and set so that just the right amount of vacuum will be communicated to the skin of the user, dependent upon that person's personal desires and characteristics.

Another object is a housing and cradle arrangement as well as a storage compartment for supporting the nozzle and hand piece of a skin stimulating and cleaning device.

Another object is a vacuum pump for use in the skin stimulating and cleaning device of the above type.

Another object is a device of the above type which can be easily adjusted to match the change in the skin sensitivity of the individual from time to time.

Another object is a method of testing the capillary fragility of an individual in using a skin stimulator to avoid any facial marks and discoloration.

Another object is a device of the above type which avoids a noise source around a woman's face.

Other objects will appear from time to time in the ensuing specifications and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective of the unit with the cover closed on the case;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 with the case and cover in section;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the operating mechanism inside the case with the case removed;

FIG. 4 is a section through the end of the hand piece;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the removable vacuum cap;

FIG. 5a is a plan view of a variant form of cap;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the cradle for holding the hand piece; I

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vacuum pump in FIG. 3, partly in section;

FIG. 8 is an end view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section along 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a part of the vacuum pump; and

FIG. II is a side view of another part of the pump.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIGS. 1-3 a skin stimulating and cleaning device is shown which includes a case 10 with a cover 12 connected thereto and removably mounted on a platform or base 14 having suitable rubber or cushioned feet or pads 16 so that when it is resting on top of a table, vanity or piece of furniture, it will not mar the surface thereof. The case defines what I shall refer to as a lower compartment 18 while thecover defines an upper compartment 20. The cover is pivoted as at 22 along the rear of the base although it might be otherwise and a protruding ledge 24 along the front edge of the cover allows it to be raised and pivoted back so as to expose the handle or hand piece mechanism, to be described in detail later.

A subcompartment or annex 26, shown in FIG. 2, is defined in the rear of the case compartment tohouse an electric cord 28 which extends through a suitable opening 32 in the rear thereof with the usual plug 30 on the end. The opening through which the cord extends is such that for storage purposes the cord can be pushed into the subcompartment until only the plug 30 is exposed. It can also be drawn out manually to the extent that a strain relief 34 allows. The other end of the cord projecting into the main compartment 18 is connected to a power mechanism which includes an electric motor with the usual coil 36 and stator 38 around a rotatably mounted armature 40 having a cooling fan 42 on oneend thereof and a vacuum pump 44 on the other. The bottom or platform 14 may be provided with suitable opening 46 to allow warm air to escape. Any suitable mounting for the motor on the base or platform 14 may be used.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 the armature shaft 48 extends through a suitable support 50 in the pump and is connected to a crank disc 52 having an offset pin 54 which rides in a vertical slot 56, shown in FIG. 10, in an extension of the piston 58 which is constructed to reciprocate in a cylinder 60. Rotation of the armature shaft 48 will cause the piston to reciprocate. The other end of the cylinder is controlled by a valve mechanism 62 which controls an inlet 64.

In FIG. 9 the valve as shown is triangular so that on its flat sides it will expose the compression chamber of the cylinder. When the piston moves from right to left in FIG. 7, the valve which is in the form of a wafer-thin flexible membrane, possibly made of Mylor, will flex to the left to uncover the inlet opening 66. Air will be drawn through the inlet 64 and around the flat sides of the valve. When the piston moves from left to right on its compression stroke, the flexible valve will move or flex to the right in FIG. 7 covering the inlet port 66 and causing the air to exhaust through a discharge port 67, and through an exhaust opening 69 controlled by a check valve 70 which may be in the form of flexible piece suitably mounted at one end, as at 7] so as to flex over discharge opening 69.

The inlet 64 is connected by a flexible tube 72, shown in FIG. 3, to a regulator valve 74 which is controlled by a manually-manipulatable lever 76 which extends through a suitable opening 78 in a shelf 79 on the front of the case. Movement of the lever 76 to the left or right in FIG. I is adapted to open or close a vent or port 77 in 74 so that the communication to the pump can be vented to some degree to vary the vacuum applied to a hand piece, to be explained hereinbelow. A flexible tube 80 connects to the other side of the needle valve and extends upwardly through an opening 82, shown in FIG. 2, on the top wall of the case. Thus the flexible tube enters the upper compartment 20 and, eventually, connects to a handle or hand piece 84.

The top of the case is enclosed by the cover 12 and is provided with an upstanding wall 86, shown in FIG. 2, which defines a receptacle or compartment 88. A closure 90, shown in FIG. 2 and in detail in FIG. 6, is adapted to fit on the top of the wall with downwardly extending somewhat arcuate flanges 92 on the lower surface thereof for guidance and proper seating. The upper surface of the closure has two upstanding generally parallel ribs 94 to define a cradle for reception of the hand piece 84. An excess of flexible tube is provided which may be wound around the wall 86, as shown at 96, so that when the cover is opened and the hand piece 84 is withdrawn, the excess of tube may unwind from around the wall and pay out to any selected distance.

The hand piece itself is not shown in detail except for the end, in FIG. 4. But it should be understood that it may be molded in two parts 98 and 100, in FIG. 2, connected together in any suitable manner and shaped on their exterior so as to be easily and pleasantly handled and manipulated by the user. On one side an offset 102 is provided which is disposed at an acute angle to the general plane of the handle and has a skin contacting portion on the end thereof. It will be noted that the flexible tube extends through the handle into the offset, as at 104, shown in FIG. 4.

The offset terminates in a surface 106 disposed at an angle to the general plane of the handle and this surface is enclosed by the cap or tip 108 which is removably mounted thereon and has an elongated opening 110 narrowing to a hole 112 which opens into the inside. Surface 106 has a recessed or sunken portion to accept a filter element 114 which may be removed and replaced from time to time. The flexible tube connects over an opening 116 which communicates through the filter with the inside of the nozzle or tip 108 so that the vacuum caused by the pump will be communicated to the skin contacting nozzle or cap. The nozzle or tip has not been shown in detail but it should be understood that it may be the same as or similar to what is shown in Welch et al. Design Patent No. 184,786, issued Mar. 31, 1959. A vent 118 also communicates with the vacuum cap through the filter and opens in the back of the handle as at 120. An adjustable on-off switch 122 may be positioned on the front shelf and connected so as to turn the unit off and on, although that connection has not been shown.

The use, operation and function of my invention are as follows:

I provide a vacuum creating and controlling machine or device which is specifically designed and constructed to apply a controlled but limited amount or de gree of vacuum to the skin, for example the face, of the user. In recent years it has been considered desirable and healthy to apply somewhat limited vacuum directly to the skin on the face of, say, women and young girls. In addition to cleansing and removing various creams, dirt, and the usual female facial decorations, such a procedure also has the advantage that it stimulates the skin itself, unclogs the pores, increases blood circulation without going beyond the capillary fragility of the individual. Since the amount or degree of vacuum that is beneficial and desirable will vary from one person to another, and will vary for the same person from time to time, such devices must be capable of quite accurate regulation and adjustment. And such adjustment must be simple and reliable. Also, since such a device is intended primarily for the female of the species, it must not be awkward, heavy, difficult of operation or cumbersome in adjustment or noisy.

In the device shown, the unit has the advantage that all of the heavy parts are contained in the case and are not required to be used or picked up but are left standing or sitting on top of the vanity or desk. Also, having the noise-making motor and pump away from the hand piece and face of the user is quite advantageous particularly in connection with women and girls. Prior devices have been found objectionable in this regard because women object to a noisy device directly next to their faces. The handle itself, which is the only part that she needs to handle, can be quite small and lightweight possibly made out of a lightweight plastic. When the cover or top is pivoted back, the hand piece will be in full view resting in the cradle and can be easily picked up and used. The flexible tube will unwind from around the wall 86 and, after use, can be easily wrapped around the wall when the hand piece is replaced. The cradle which is in the form of a lid may be removed and extra nozzles or caps may be stored in the compartment 88 in the event that the one in use becomes dirty, clogged or broken.

In its preferred method of use, the cover is first raised and the hand piece picked up and withdrawn. The offon switch 122 may then be turned on. The user may then cover the vent hole in the back of the hand piece so that full vacuum will be applied to the slot 110. The regulating lever 76 for the needle valve may then be turned to low and the nozzlehead applied to the skin. The nozzlehead may be applied to the skin on the inner elbow or inner curve of the elbow. The skin in this area is quite sensitive and, if the device is first tested and regulated with the nozzle applied to this area, the user can properly set the desired degree of vacuum without the possibility of inadvertently causing a bruise or blood blister on the face. Any blister or discoloration on the inner elbow will be of little consequence as compared to a facial mark. While moving it back and forth so that the degree of vacuum can be felt on the skin, the lever 76 can be moved slowly toward the high position until the exact amount of vacuum is reached that is comfortable to the user. The device can then be left with the lever 76 in that position for future use.

When applying the vacuum head or cap to the skin, the user can uncover and cover the vent hole 120 as she sees fit. When this hole is uncovered, very little, if any, vacuum will be felt through'the head or tip. But with the hole 120 covered, full vacuum will be felt on the skin.

One of the principle advantages of the unit is that none of the heavy operating parts have to be handled by the user. Rather, only the lightweight hand piece 84 has to be picked up. While I have shown the flexible tube in the form of a wrap-around for storage, it should be understood that an automatic reel might be provided although such is not thought necessary in view of the expense involved.

Another advantage of the unit is that the adjusting lever 76 is directly on the front shelf where it can be easily reached and accurately set. Thus the user is in no danger of excessive vacuum.

Another and significant advantage is that the noise caused by the motor will not be directly next to the face and ears of the user. Men, who are accustomed to using electric razors, do not find this necessarily objectionable. The vast majority of women, however, do not like a noise instrument around their faces.

The advantage of the testing procedure set forth hereinabove is that the discoloration, if any, will occur on the inner elbow rather than the face. To reduce the amount or extent of any discoloration on the skin of the inner elbow a special tip 124, as shown in FIG. 5a, may be used, instead of the wide slot 110 as in the regular tip of FIG. 5, the opening of the slot may be narrowed as at 126 to something on the order of 4-5 mm. on a side. Such a special tip could be appropriately marked and placed in the reservoir or compartment 88 when not in use. Thus the area discolored, if this occurred, would be substantially reduced when using the special tip of H6. 50 in testing the skin sensitivity.

While the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, it should be understood that suitable additional modifications, changes, substitutions and alterations may be made without departing from the inventions fundamental theme.

I claim:

1. A skin stimulating and cleaning device, including a housing with a case and cover defining two compartments with a ceiling between, a lower compartment in the case and an upper compartment between the case and cover, a power mechanism in the lower compartment for providing a vacuum, a manually manipulatable hand piece positioned in the upper compartment and adapted to be removed when the cover is opened,

a flexible tube connected to the hand piece and extending through the case into the lower compartment and connected to the power mechanism for communicating the vacuum to the hand piece, an opening in the hand piece so that the vacuum can be communicated to the skin of the user, an upstanding hand piece support on the ceiling in the upper compartment with a cradle on top thereof for receiving the hand piece, and a tube storage area around the support whereby the flexible tube may be stored when the hand piece is positioned in the cradle.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the cradle is removable from the hand piece support to define an inner storage compartment.

3. A hand piece for use with a skin stimulating and cleaning device which operates by applying a vacuum to the skin of the user, including an elongated portion adapted to be grasped by the hand of the user with a head on one end thereof, a skin opposing portion offset from the plane of the hand piece and disposed to contact the skin of the user at an acute angle to the general plane of the hand piece, a removable convex skin contacting case on the skin opposing surface defining a laterally elongated opening for contacting the skin of the user and narrowing to a vacuum opening adapted to be connected to a tube extending through the hand piece to a source of vacuum, and a removable filter across the face opposing surface for removing foreign materialdrawn through the elongated opening, the filter being removable and replaceable when the skin contacting cap is removed.

4. The structure of claim 3 is further characterized by a venting channel extending through the back of the hand piece and opening through the removable filter inside of the convex skin contacting cap adapted to be controlled by the finger of the user so that the vacuum applied to the elongated slot in the skin contacting nozzle can be established or broken. 

1. A skin stimulating and cleaning device, including a housing with a case and cover defining two compartments with a ceiling between, a lower compartment in the case and an upper compartment between the case and cover, a power mechanism in the lower compartment for providing a vacuum, a manually manipulatable hand piece positioned in the upper compartment and adapted to be removed when the cover is opened, a flexible tube connected to the hand piece and extending through the case into the lower compartmenT and connected to the power mechanism for communicating the vacuum to the hand piece, an opening in the hand piece so that the vacuum can be communicated to the skin of the user, an upstanding hand piece support on the ceiling in the upper compartment with a cradle on top thereof for receiving the hand piece, and a tube storage area around the support whereby the flexible tube may be stored when the hand piece is positioned in the cradle.
 2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the cradle is removable from the hand piece support to define an inner storage compartment.
 3. A hand piece for use with a skin stimulating and cleaning device which operates by applying a vacuum to the skin of the user, including an elongated portion adapted to be grasped by the hand of the user with a head on one end thereof, a skin opposing portion offset from the plane of the hand piece and disposed to contact the skin of the user at an acute angle to the general plane of the hand piece, a removable convex skin contacting case on the skin opposing surface defining a laterally elongated opening for contacting the skin of the user and narrowing to a vacuum opening adapted to be connected to a tube extending through the hand piece to a source of vacuum, and a removable filter across the face opposing surface for removing foreign material drawn through the elongated opening, the filter being removable and replaceable when the skin contacting cap is removed.
 4. The structure of claim 3 is further characterized by a venting channel extending through the back of the hand piece and opening through the removable filter inside of the convex skin contacting cap adapted to be controlled by the finger of the user so that the vacuum applied to the elongated slot in the skin contacting nozzle can be established or broken. 